SKODA’S model naming convention might be a little out of kilter with the mainstream but it certainly doesn’t seem to have done it any harm – in fact the Czech marque can do no wrong at the moment.
Two models, the Fabia and Octavia, have the kind of Latin lilt that indicates they might have been named after a couple of Roman empresses, while the Superb suggests a degree of boastfulness – though in reality it’s named after a 1930s Skoda classic.
And, as to the Roomster, well it’s a definite case of one of those ‘does what it says on the tin’ names.
So you can’t help but wonder where the name 'Yeti’ came from.
Was it some bright spark in a brain-storming session at the concept stage or did a bigwig simply decide it was going to be named after the fabled Abominable Snowman?
One thing is definite, it’s a name you remember and in truth I think it actually quite suits the car.
It suggests a degree of go anywhere capability, conjuring up images of the legendary Yeti on the slopes of the Himalayas.
I’m a big fan of smaller 4x4s, particularly given the spates of snow and ice we’ve had in recent months - conditions that some are suggesting might become the norm each winter.
Sure, everyone would love to go out and buy a Range Rover for most it remains a pipe dream.
Thankfully these days there are plenty of other 4x4s to choose from and they come in all shapes and sizes too and care suited to all budgets.
Many motorists are starting to demand something that can offer that added grip on an icy road and it’s not just those who spend most of their time traversing the generally more treacherous lanes of the countryside.
The extreme conditions of late mean a suburban road network can be just as hazardous as a Highland burn.
Four-by-fours also offer reassurance and ultimately what buyers hope will be trouble free winter motoring.
Of course you can buy a two-wheel-drive Yeti, but four-wheel-drive is definitely the best option if your budget will stretch.
The Yeti’s off-road abilities really do need to be experienced to be fully appreciated. I didn’t take the car out on arduous terrain but having driven a Yeti on a challenging off-road course I can vouch for its capabilities and confess I was more than impressed.
As with all 4x4s such extremes will probably never be experienced by most buyers so how it handles on tarmac is probably more important to the average prospective buyer.
And this is where the Yeti really does come up trumps. Based on the Volkswagen Golf it offers an excellent drive with that coveted car-like handling that all SUVs want to emulate.
In truth it’s not an SUV of course, more like a cross between a regular hatch and an SUV but it boasts that boxy styling that has a purposeful kind of look to it.
This also means that it’s surprisingly spacious for a car of its size, with a roomy and open cabin and a generous amount of boot space.
The Volkswagen 2.0-litre TSI engine and it is well suited to the Yeti, though a number of power variants utilising the 2.0-litre diesel unit are a very tempting option too.
Overall it’s a great car that packs a surprising amount into a relatively small package.
FAST FACTS
Skoda Yeti SE 1.8 TSI 4x4
Price: £19,515
Mechanical: 160bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 189g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles